Leathering Gaff Jaws

[Dave R1]

I finally got some time to apply the leather to the gaff jaws and I thought I wouuld share something I came up with in case someone else wants to try it. The shape is actually a rather complex one to wrap in the leather and I wasn't sure how to make sure it would lay smooth. I didn't want to tack it down because that wouldn't allow me to shif things if needed and I didn't want to end up with a whole lot of extra holes.

If I'd had a pattern to use for cutting the leather, I probably could have sewed the leather to stretch it around the jaws. The only thing I could think of to use for a paattern, though was a piece of leather since it would have to stretch around the shape.

I ended up using cotton twill tape. It's fairly cheap, flat and easy to work with. I soaked the leather in warm water for awhile and then laid it on the jaws. I wrapped it tightly with the tape, smoothing the leather as I went. I was careful to avoid twists in the tape and so far it seems to have worked.

The water can evaporate through the tape and the leather should be held smooth. Once it has dried, I'll trim it and fasten it down.

[umop_apisdn]

How do you fasten it down?

Noel

[Dave R1]

Lick and stick! :shock:

It's supposed to be bedded in something to keep the water out and then either sewn (kind of like stitching a baseball) or tacked. I didn't have enough leather to be able to sew it down so I used copper nails left over from the cradle boat project. I didn't bother with bedding compound either since the boat is pretty much a fair weather sailor and I don't expect to get much water that high up. I will wax the leather after I'm sure it is good and dry.